AD XANTHIAM PHOCEUM (ODES, II, 4)

by: Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus) (65-8 B.C.)

      AY, Xanthias, feel unashamed
      That she you love is but a servant.
      Remember, lovers far more famed
      Were just as fervent.
       
      Achilles loved the pretty slave
      Brisëis for her fair complexion;
      And to Texmessa Ajax gave
      His young affection.
       
      Why, Agamemnon at the height
      Of feasting, triumph, and anointment,
      Left everything to keep, one night,
      A small appointment.
       
      And are you sure the girl you love--
      This maid on whom you have your heart set
      Is lowly--that she is not of
      The Roman smart set?
       
      A maiden modest as is she,
      So full of sweetness and forbearance,
      Must be all right; her folks must be
      Delightful parents.
       
      Her arms and face I can commend,
      And, as the writer of a poem,
      I fain would compliment, old friend,
      The limbs below 'em.
       
      Nay, be not jealous. Stop your fears.
      My tendencies are far from sporty.
      Besides, the number of my years
      Is over forty.

This English translation of "Ad Xanthiam Phoceum" was composed by F.P. Adams (1881-1960).

MORE POEMS BY HORACE

RELATED WEBSITES

  • Horace - A biography of the Roman philosopher and dramatic critic Quintus Horatius Flaccus.
  • Horace: Bibliography - A bibliography of the works of Quintus Horatius Flaccus; includes a list of critical and biographical resources.
  • Latin Dramatic Criticism - An overview of dramatic criticism as it developed during the Roman Empire.
  • The Maxims of Horace - An overview of the Roman critic's rules for dramatic construction.
  • Purchase books by Horace

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